AREG Launches Portfolio of Industry Leading Offshore Wind Credentials

Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) today underlined how the region’s world-class energy expertise is bolstering its industry leading position in offshore wind and is vital to capitalising on the global, multi-billion pound market opportunity.

The pioneering private-public partnership launched a portfolio of Aberdeen City and Shire’s offshore wind energy business achievements which will be promoted worldwide.

Morag McCorkindale, AREG’s chief operating officer, said: “The region is fast being recognised as a centre of marine energy excellence in Scotland, the UK and Europe. This is largely testimony to the region’s offshore oil and gas expertise, which spans more than four decades, and innovative developments such as the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC).

“Oil and gas related businesses in Aberdeen City and Shire are already successfully supplying innovation, transferring skills, sharing their much needed knowledge and capitalising on offshore wind opportunities across the world. This is also assisting critical development of the supply chain.

“AREG strongly believes that this wealth of oil and gas experience, as well as its globally recognised practices and industry collaboration, is essential if the UK is to meet its challenging EU targets for renewable energy power generation.”

A key driver behind the region’s fast growing renewable energy sector, AREG has specially produced a portfolio which demonstrates Aberdeen City and Shire’s leading offshore wind credentials. It showcases organisations such as the Aberdeen based Scottish European Green Energy Centre – which played an instrumental role in progressing the EOWDC project – to The Met Office, the Energy Institute, and independent international consulting and research organisation DHI.

AREG has also highlighted key factors which set Aberdeen City and Shire apart on the global energy map through its leading position in offshore renewables supply chain expertise:

• The region’s status as the Energy Capital of Europe with more than 900 energy businesses and a vast concentration of renewables interests. This is the second largest concentration in the world after Houston
• Aberdeen City and Shire has the largest concentration of subsea interests In the world
• The progressive can-do attitude of the region’s supply chain, local politicians and public sector organisations
• The availability of local academic support through Aberdeen’s two world-renowned universities and regional colleges and technical institutes
• The pioneering European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), which is planned for Aberdeen Bay and is a key strategic asset of European significance
• The experience gained in the development and successful testing of the Beatrice offshore wind project – a crucial step in the global evolution of offshore wind as a technology
• Aberdeen is home to All-Energy – the UK’s largest renewable energy conference and exhibition
• AREG is an innovative partnership that is championing the region’s renewable energy credentials as a strategic tool which not only benefits Scotland but the UK and Europe
• AREG and its 170-strong membership are already active across the four corners of the globe due to the region’s unique position within international energy networks.